12South

Everything chef Trevor Moran does at Locust is beautiful. His Asian-inspired menu is short and changes frequently, but we can tell you this: Get one of everything. Note that reservations are necessary and require a deposit, and the restaurant can only accommodate groups of four or fewer.

In this 12South boutique, you’ll find a tight selection of some of our favorite fashion brands, from Agolde and Ganni, to Ulla Johnson and Rhode.

Southerner Ceri Hoover founded her eponymous label in 2013 but only recently opened a brick-and-mortar shop in 12South. Hoover’s leather handbags and shoes are coveted in the city, and in addition to these, the boutique carries incredibly unique jewelry and clothing from independent labels like Reifhaus and Samuji.

For a sweet treat in 12South, this new outpost of Christie Cookie’s offers fresh-baked cookies, brownies, and cakes, as well as ice cream sandwiches. We love the integrity with which their goods are made—they don’t use preservatives and use ingredients like chocolate made from sustainably-farmed cocoa beans.

Brisket tacos, perfectly smoked ribs, and the burnt-ends platter with cornbread and a side of grits casserole are what keep regulars coming back to this 12South spot. The cocktails are stellar, too—the Bitter Goat is a refreshing lime and ginger beer concoction—and the atmosphere is always buzzing and friendly. There are enough veggie sides to ensure the non-meat-eaters don’t go hungry, and Edley’s is famous for its desserts, like the chocolate fudge pie and banana pudding. For those who can't make it to 12South, there are two other locations in Sylvan Park and East Nashville.

A paleta is a Mexican version of a popsicle—a sweet, frozen pop made with fresh fruit (and sometimes even with vegetables and nuts). This adorable little shop, which was founded by two sisters who grew up in Mexico, makes them fresh daily with seasonal fruits and vegetables. Unsurprisingly, kids go crazy for these.

Bartaco also has a few locations in Connecticut, and you can definitely feel the East Coast vibe when you walk inside: The patio is white-washed with blue cushions and accents, and the hanging pendants inside are made from woven baskets. The garage doors separating the patio from the restaurant open wide on warm evenings, where it's nice to bond with their well-tended cocktail list (favorites are the margarita, the mojito, and a bold blend of chorizo spice, reposado, and mezcal called the CLT). If you’re staying to eat, trays of guacamole, salsa, and an assortment of tacos take the stress out of ordering for a crowd. Their outpost in Atlanta is also a favorite. Photos: Chun Yip So

Between raising a family (they actually do have five daughters) and growing their small business, Five Daughters owners Isaac and Stephanie Meek definitely have their hands full. Isaac comes from a family of bakers—his grandfather baked cakes and his father owned a pizza shop—and he's made this fledgling bakery famous for a 100-layer donut, which tastes like an overly decadent cronut and takes three days to make. Between those magnificent creations and their sister sweets, like paleo donuts (grain, dairy, and sugar-free) and arguably the best cupcakes in town, it's no surprise that they sell out both here and at their Franklin and East Nashville locations, every day.

If you've spent any time perusing the website of Reese Witherspoon's quintessentially Southern lifestyle brand, you'll pretty much know what to expect in the store. Located on 12South, a well-known shopping area, it immediately draws you in with blue-and-white-striped awnings and perennially colorful windows. Once you make it through the shiny navy lacquered doors, you'll find bold floral prints, preppy stripes, and cheeky home goods, like their signature "Totes, Y'all" bags. It's the perfect place to pick up Southern-inspired souvenirs for friends or a cute party dress.

Fresh-tasting Lebanese cuisine is still unfamiliar to a lot of people, and casual Epice (which takes its name from the French word for spice) offers a welcoming way in. Dishes are light and vegetable-heavy—favorites include the lamb shank or the Sayadeya, a lean, spicy filet of fish served with caramelized onions and vermicelli rice.